Social Education 74(4), pp 226–231 ©2010 National Council for the Social Studies Elementary Education Using Social Studies Themes to Investigate Modern Egypt Janie Hubbard
any elementary teachers explore the marvels of ancient Egypt with their religions that, like in ancient times, students, as evidenced by the numerous available websites on this topic for greatly impact the overall culture. Mteaching elementary history. The drama and mystery of ancient civilizations Islamic armies from Arabia invaded with treasures such as mummies, King Tut, and the Giza Pyramids are intriguing Egypt in 640. The following year, to children, yet there is another layer of fascinating topics awaiting investigation in Cairo was conquered, and in 647, the today’s Egypt. city of Alexandria surrendered, bring- ing Muslim rule to the whole country. After teaching in Egypt for several helps students begin to understand that Consequently, today indigenous cul- years, my reflections suggest addi- humans often create changes to accom- tural groups speak Arabic and most tional appropriate topics, for elemen- modate different ideas and beliefs. Both people are intensely devout Muslims. tary students, that reveal the essence friendly and hostile interactions with The Coptic Christians, a once prolif- of modern Egypt by focusing on three others may influence such cultural ele- erate religious group, founded around themes— Culture; People, Places, ments as religion, politics, food, lan- 42 A.D., now only represent about 13 and Environments; and Production, guage, and societal norms. percent of the population. The modern Distribution, and Consumption—from Though remains of human develop- official language, Arabic, has replaced the National Council for the Social ment, found near Abu Simbel, date back the ancient Coptic language that was Studies (NCSS) Curriculum Standards to 700,000 B.C., the Early Dynastic used as early as the fourth century by for Social Studies. Period (a 500-year period) is commonly the Coptic Church of Egypt. considered the beginning of Ancient Bedouins, a nomadic, tribal people Theme 1: Culture Egyptian history and the formative who wandered the central Sinai desert Teachers can help students recognize stage of its culture.2 Traits in Ancient with sheep, goats, and camels for cen- how too much attention to exotica might Egyptian culture include the Divine turies, still exist. It is difficult for the interfere with cultural understandings. kingship form of government, a poly- government to calculate the number Substantive culture teaching aims for a theistic religion hosting about 700 dif- of Bedouins in Egypt because of their balance between teaching cultural differ- ferent gods and goddesses, and writing wandering nature, however, govern- ences and commonalities.1 Researching that evolved from a few simple hiero- ment policies such as schooling and and comparing today’s diverse Egyptian glyphic signs to several hundred that law enforcement, oil production, and cultures can aid young students in iden- include both phonetic and ideographic a desire for improved standards of liv- tifying common universal characteris- values. The famed Rosetta Stone helped ing have influenced many Bedouins tics among cultures. Egypt, like other scholars learn that early Egyptian lan- to become settled citizens.4 Bedouins nations, has regional differences associ- guage consisted of a combination of live in and around el Arish, a wadi ated with historical traditions and geog- Egyptian hieroglyphics, Greek, and a (valley) and town built around an raphy. When teaching Egyptian culture Coptic Christian language.3 original Bedouin camp. Traditionally, and how it has changed, it is also natural Today, Egypt’s diverse cultural Bedouin brides in Egypt wore black to refer to similarities with the evolving groups maintain distinctively differ- dresses adorned with brightly colored culture of the United States. Doing so ent customs, social arrangements, and embroidery or cross-stitch and veils
Social Education 226 caftan-like outer garments, and niqabs, veils concealing all of the face except the eyes, as signs of modesty. Hijab, a word that means to veil or cover, refers to a woman’s commitment to dress and behave modestly. With this trend, design- ers and manufacturers have discovered a growing market for fashionable Islamic women’s clothing. These days, Egyptian entertain- ment and art can be traced to origins from Islamic traditions. For example, a Whirling Dervish is a religious movement that has transcended to a performing art. The Sufi, a mystic order of Islam, has per- formed this “dance” for about 700 years. “The performer ‘turns’ or whirls endlessly while manipulating skirts in a colorful The three pyramids seen through a palm grove, Cairo, Egypt. Matson Photo Service, 1936 display…”5; the ceremony represents a (Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-matpc-00273). spiritual journey towards love and truth. Sharing this website with a video example covered with dowry coins. Today, the historical sites and monuments. Nubian of an Egyptian Whirling Dervish dancer, women, many who are artisans, create people reluctantly settled in and around www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj4xI6jYom4, is colorful, exquisitely embroidered dresses, Aswan and villages to its north. Under a way to introduce a continuance of an shawls, pillow covers, and scarves to sell United Nations Educational, Scientific, Islamic tradition in action. each Thursday to tourists in the mar- and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) The Hajj paintings are another form of ketplace. auspices, the Nubian temples at Abu- folk art inspired by Islam. The pilgrim- The Nubians are the people of north- Simbel were moved and reconstructed age to Mecca in Saudi Arabia is consid- ern Sudan and southern Egypt. Their (1963–68) to a cliff above the old site. ered the most important experience of a homeland is that of Africa’s earliest As a gift for its financial assistance in this Muslim’s life, for both the rich and poor. black culture with a history traced project, Egypt gave a nearby temple built Especially in Upper Egypt, professional from 3,800 B.C. In antiquity, Nubia by the Romans, the Temple of Dendur, as well as untrained painters record these was a land of great natural resources, to the United States in 1965. This temple journeys on the outside walls of homes. gold mines, ebony, ivory, and incense, is now displayed in the Metropolitan The mode of travel to Mecca, the pil- but later the economy became primarily Museum of Art in New York City. grim’s experiences after arriving, and one of agriculture. Date exporting was Climate, wind, and religion all influ- symbols of the welcome-home celebra- the most important source of income in ence clothing customs. Because of the tion of a Hajj, along with pictures of com- the early 1900s, before the construction extreme heat, both women and men wear mon farm life, are proudly displayed on of the first Aswan Dam. The height of galabeyas, long, loose fitting dress-like a pilgrim’s home for all to see. Moinard this dam, raised three times in 75 years, garments, when at home or not working. interviews a modern day Hajj painter caused changes that reduced cultivation Cotton scarves, wound around heads and and describes his technique, to four months out of the year. At that faces, shield men against glaring sun or time, vegetables, cultivated in small sweeping desert winds that constantly Like other artists, Badr has a basic amounts, became the main source of carry dust and sand even into the cit- overall design for each of his murals: income. Therefore, many of the men gave ies. Although modern Egyptians usu- He includes a rectangle above the up farming and traveled long distances ally dress much as Westerners for the front door in which are placed the to work, returning home only a couple of workplace, the teachings of the Qur’an name of the pilgrim and the date times per year. By the 1960s, Nubians lost strongly encourage Muslim women to that the hajj took place; adjoining the last of their ancient homeland when cover their hair with scarves, and a this, he paints the Ka’bah [sanctu- Egypt built the Aswan High Dam that Muslim woman’s arms are never publicly ary at Mecca and object of the pil- formed Lake Nasser. The area flooded bare. Because of current interpretations grimage] and the Prophet’s Mosque, and washed away many of the Nubians’ of the Qur’an, many women wear abayas, with an airplane to one side, then
September 2010 227 A couple stands on a bridge on the Nile during Valentine’s day in Cairo, February, 14, 2010. Reuters/Asmaa Waguih
appropriate Qur’anic verses to seasonal fruits and vegetables, grown Environments helps students focus on enhance the final effect.6(¶ 27). along the Nile River, are common. The making informed and critical deci- cost of food greatly affects everyday life, sions about the relationships between Examples of real life photos depict- thus many staple meals are made with human beings and their environment.7 ing Hajj paintings, published by the nutritious beans and inexpensive, yet In Ancient Egypt, physical geography American University in Cairo Press, are filling, carbohydrates. Two daily staples significantly influenced human practices, presented in the book Hajj Paintings: of the Egyptian diet are bread and beans. and it continues today. Folk Art of the Great Pilgrimage, by Eeish (life) Baladi bread is round, coated Throughout Egyptian history, two Ann Parker and Avon Neal. As part with bran, and used to dip and scoop up of the most important landforms for of studying Egyptian culture, students various foods. Ful consists of brown fava human movement have been the Nile might create similar type murals in their beans, slowly cooked and served with River and the Sinai Peninsula. Their classrooms, perhaps basing individual olive oil; this is popular for breakfast but functions, though, have evolved as the pictures on travels they have made. served with any meal. Koshari is another country has grown more economically Restaurants in large cities such as national dish made with a combination of dependent on tourism, and this process, Cairo prepare a variety of foods from rice, lentils, and macaroni topped with in turn, has impacted cultures in positive around the world. Traditional Egyptian caramelized onions and accompanied and negative ways. cuisine, though, has special character- by a spicy tomato sauce. The Nile, the longest river in the world, istics that blend ancient cuisine with has supported settlement for about 5,000 Middle Eastern and European prod- Theme 3 - People, Places, and years and affected the agriculture, com- ucts. Foods created with dates, from the Environments merce, architecture, art, calendar, and many date palm trees, along with fresh The theme of People, Places, and religion of ancient people. Today, its
Social Education 228 waters are still vital for irrigation and beads, and Christmas ornaments sold to Egyptian Exchange (EGX), the stock traditional transportation and commerce; tourists in markets and souvenir shops. exchange which began during the late however, recreational cruises, dinner The natural sand sculptures of the 1800s, is a premier capital market in the boats, and feluccas (small party boats) White Desert are primary examples of Middle East and North African Region have greatly expanded the Nile’s eco- landforms created by wind erosion, and benefiting Egyptian and international nomic opportunities for people. Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley), about clients. Egypt is one of the world’s fastest The Sinai Peninsula, located between 150 miles southwest of Cairo, is the site growing locations for global outsourc- the Mediterranean Sea to the north of hundreds of primitive whale fossils, ing services, and Telecom Egypt, which and the Red Sea to the east, serves as a a species now extinct. Desert locations, supplies modern telephone and Internet natural land bridge to Asia. The 1978 such as these, are popular recreational services, has been steadily expanding for Camp David Accords returned the Sinai and academic research destinations for 150 years. A new television and cinema Peninsula to Egypt from Israel; the clear, people of all ages. production center, one of the largest turquoise waters are habitats for exotic Young learners, investigating the envi- of its kind outside of Hollywood, has marine creatures and popular desti- ronment, study about landforms, but strengthened Egypt’s century-old media nations for global trekkers who enjoy more importantly, they should realize entertainment industry. Although rich in sunshine and water sports. The Sinai’s why certain landforms are critical for the natural and manmade resources, Egypt Biblical significance also attracts another livelihood of humans who live in specific still struggles with providing for its rap- group of visitors. The economic rewards locations and how people symbolize their idly escalating population, which affects of tourism on the peninsula have encour- dependency and gratitude. Discussing the distribution of wealth. aged resort development and displaced reasons why the Nile River is so vital While Egyptians use their natural some Bedouin tribes. for sustaining life in Egypt leads students resources, they also manage their unnatu- International meetings are often held to make further connections about why ral resources. Over 17,000 garbage collec- at these same resorts and are mentioned the river was consistently represented in tors and their families live in Mokattam in the news. Many U.S. presidents and ancient art, architecture, religion, and Hills, southeast of Cairo. There they col- delegates have attended conferences in the calendar. Additionally, discussing lect, sort, recycle, and resell the garbage Sharm-el-Sheikh throughout the years, products that Egyptians create from the of Cairo’s large population. According to especially in support of peace efforts Sahara Desert’s sand may prompt stu- the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, between Israel and Palestine. Most dents to examine how some, less obvious, the zabbaleen, garbage collectors, were recently, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary natural resources are managed and used originally Coptic Christian farm labor- Clinton attended the International in local environments. People find ways ers living in a village outside of Cairo. Gaza Reconstruction Conference held to use what is available to them within During the 1930s, poor opportunities in Sharm-el-Sheikh where she pledged their environments. An essential under- and failed crops forced them to work continued U.S. commitment to compre- standing for students is that humans not as garbage collectors, creating garbage hensive peace between Israel and its Arab only interact with their environments, villages around the city.10 By the 1970s, neighbors.8 but also are dependent on them in eco- there was a growing interest to help these People in Egypt adapt to harsh cli- nomic and personal ways. villagers help themselves to improve their mates and benefit from the natural conditions. Within the village, today, a resources within their control. The Theme 7 - Production, Distribution, program sponsored by the Association Sahara Desert, the largest non-polar and Consumption for the Protection of the Environment desert in the world, spans about 3,000 Examining economic decisions and com- trains young women from the most miles across Northern Africa. Sand is paring their own economic experiences disadvantaged families to recycle rag abundant, and Egyptians have suc- with those of others widens the knowl- scraps and reuse them to produce rugs cessfully mastered it in creative ways. edge of the consequences of decisions and quilts. This venture, as well as Sand continues to provide the basis on groups, communities, nations, and another paper-recycling project, helps of concrete structures for millions of the world.9 Egypt’s present-day economy elevate the status of young women while city dwellers; it is rare to see a house relies on tourism, agriculture, textiles, also providing classes aimed at raising or apartment building built of wood and some industries such as cement and awareness of health issues related to child or even red brick. Rural homes usually fertilizers. The country is self-sufficient birth and care. Another interesting point consist of hand-made mud bricks and with petroleum and receives additional about Mokattam Hills is that Mansheiyet palm frond roofs. Glassblowing, as a income from the Suez Canal. Other mod- Nasser, the mountain behind the vil- craft, traces back 3,800 years in Egypt. ern aspects of Egypt’s economy include lage, contains seven beautiful Christian Modern-day glassblowers use sand to the stock exchange, telecommunications, churches and chapels carved within its produce fashionable perfume bottles, and the television and film industry. The walls. The churches are a tribute to the
September 2010 229 ingenious artisans who created them Useful Websites and the villagers who carefully main- tain them today. Ancient Egyptian Gods, Nubia Museum, www.numibia.net/nubia/ Vegetable and fruit vendors tempt www.globalegyptianmuseum.org/ nubia.htm pedestrians with tastes; it may be a Ancient Egyptian Society and Family Life, Mokattam Hills (Recycling Project for Girls), strawberry, an orange, or a juicy, red fathom.lib.uchicago.edu/2/21701778/ www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/habitat/ units/un06txt6.asp tomato; making the daily economy of The Association for the Protection of the Egypt visible to anyone on the street. Environment, www.ape.org.eg/overview. Mokattam Hills - People & Places: Butchers grind and chop beef or lamb html Curriculum Resources on Human Environmental Interactions, www.outreach while you wait; however, pork for sale Aswan Dam, www.infoplease.com/ce6/ world.org/Files/u_texas/cairo_zabballeen. is almost nonexistent as the Qur’an for- world/A0856748.html pdf bids Muslims to partake or handle it. Bedouin—New World Encyclopedia (2008, The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner at In towns, there are small, independent June 4), www.newworldencyclopedia.org/ Mokattam Hills, www.touregypt.net/ entry/Bedouin?oldid=725530 shops (kiosks) for bread, keys, electrical featurestories/tanner.htm supplies and paper products, while street The Bedouin Way, www.geographia.com/ Mount Sinai (Biblical Site), egypt/sinai/bedouin02.htm peddlers sell wares such as fish, flowers, www.geographia.com/egypt/sinai/ and buffalo hair rugs. The most famous Coptic Christians of Egypt, www.touregypt. stcatherine.html net/featurestories/copticchristians.htm of all the markets is the Khan el-Khalili, Ramses II Temple – Saved by the UNESCO, in Cairo, established in 1382 and still Egyptian Economy & Religion, whc.unesco.org/en/list/88 thriving. There are literally hundreds of countrystudies.us/egypt/ Rural Egyptian Life, pagesperso-orange.fr/ shops both inside and outside the build- Egyptian Hajj Paintings, www.touregypt. agrisport-france2/egitto.htm ings, and although it is true that tour- net/magazine/mag08012001/magf3.htm Sahara Desert Map, geology.com/records/ ists shop for souvenirs there, Egyptians Khan el-Khalili, www.touregypt.net/khan. sahara-desert-map.shtml purchase and provide the market with htm Sharm el-Sheikh (City of Peace), www2.sis. household goods, fabrics, and other daily Modern Egyptian Women and Clothing, gov.eg/En/Tourism/famouscities/sharm supplies. Most of the shops, for specific www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307, skhiekh/060603000000000001.htm 1886206_1858237,00.html goods, cluster together creating sections Temple of Dendur (Metropolitan Museum in the market place, such as the area for Nile River, www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ of Art), www.metmuseum.org/toah/works- coppersmiths. Like many of the markets topic/415347/Nile-River of-art/68.154 in Egypt, the prices are not fixed, and Nubian Immigration – Colonization Project Whale Valley, whc.unesco.org/en/list/1186 vendors expect shoppers to negotiate for at Lake Nasser, www.tt.fh-koeln.de/semes Whirling Dervish (Film), www.youtube. terprojects_extern/reg_plan/nubia.htm an agreed upon price. com/watch?v=Jj4xI6jYom4 Introducing young students to eco- Nubia: Lost Civilization of Egypt, news.bbc. nomic concepts and language requires co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7963042.stm authentic experiences and discussions. Experiences related to other nations can accomplish vocabulary and con- cept learning. Examining photographs exotic, ancient history. Consider that case, students might also reflect on ques- of the Khan el-Khalili market demon- further inquiries may advance learning, tions in Theme - Science, Technology, strates to students that people in other while simultaneously teaching concepts, and Society, such as how new technolo- cultures visit markets, instead of malls. In generalizations, and skills related to gies might result in anticipated as well as the classroom, students might role-play other social studies themes. For instance, unanticipated social change, or how the market negotiations with vendors to gain Theme Global Connections highlights greatest number of people can benefit perspectives about how people buy and the importance of understanding diverse from technological advances. Theme sell. The recycling center in Mokattam global connections among world societ- Civic Ideals and Practices includes the Hills also reflects examples of modern- ies. Older students might peruse journal decisions citizens and politicians make day consumption, recycling, and social and newspaper articles for information and can be addressed when students dis- responsibility decisions in Egypt. related to the international peace con- cuss, form opinions, and debate the moral ferences held in Sharm el-Sheikh or the issues related to technological progress. Conclusion 1978 Camp David Accords. Students also Prompting questions to accomplish this The topic descriptions offered here only might be curious about why the Aswan include: Are traditional cultures helped, scratch the surface of attempting to refo- High Dam, which displaced some Nubian displaced, or changed by “progress” from cus studies of Egypt to include more than people, was considered necessary. In this tourism, technology, politics, or religion?
Social Education 230 What is worth preserving? What is OK 4. New World Encyclopedia (2008). Bedouin, www. to give up? Who should make these newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/ Bedouin?oldid=725530 choices? 5. Jimmy Dunn, “Whirling Dervish,” InterCity Oz, Within the context of learning about Inc. (2003), www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ dervish.htm. Egypt, many of the social studies themes 6. National Council for the Social Studies, can be connected to illustrate the appli- Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: cation of social studies concepts and Expectations of Excellence (Washington, D.C.: National Council for the Social Studies, 1994). generalizations. Consider supplement- 7. U.S. Department of State, Remarks by Secretary ing your next study of ancient Egypt of State Clinton in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (2009, March 3) www.america.gov/st/texttrans-eng with topics that extend and expand lish/2009/March/20090302101555eaifas0.1290247 your students’, often old, perceptions .html of Egypt to include the present. Keep 8. NCSS, 1994. 9. The Center for Middle Eastern Studies, “The digging for information and, along the Garbage Villages of Mokattam, Cairo, Egypt,” way, more and more treasures will be Middle East Resources: Information for Teaching revealed! about the Middle East at the Precollegiate Level 20, no.1 (1999): 1-11, www.outreachworld.org/ Files/cmes_harvard/the_garbage_villages.pdf Notes 10. J. Kinnaer, Ancient Egyptian Site (2009), www. 1. C.S. Sunal and M.E. Haas, Social Studies for the ancient-egypt.org/index.html. Elementary and Middle Grades: A Constructivist Approach, 3rd ed. (Boston, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon, 2008). Janie Hubbard is an assistant professor of 2. N. Grimal, A History of Ancient Egypt (Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishers, Ltd., 2001). elementary education, specializing in social 3. R.A. Strachan and K.A. Roetzel, “The Story of studies, at the University of Alabama in Tusca- the Rosetta Stone: ‘Finding a Lost Language,’” in loosa. She has extensive experience teaching K-6 Ancient Peoples: A Hypertext View, draft by education in U.S. schools and abroad. She can Richard A. Strachan and Kathleen A. Roetzel be reached at [email protected]. (1997), www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/ egypt/hieroglyphics/rosettastone.html
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September 2010 231 Revised National Social Studies Standards
Soon after you receive this copy of Social Education, NCSS will publish revised national curriculum standards for social studies. The title of the new book is National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: A Framework for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment.
The standards continue to be structured around The standards also include: the ten themes of social studies. However, the new volume offers a sharper focus on: • Enhancements in the descriptions of the ten themes and the associated learning • Purposes expectations
• Questions for Exploration • The addition of new vignettes to others describing standards-related class practices • Knowledge: what learners need to understand that were included in the original edition of the • Processes: what learners will be capable of doing standards
• Products: how learners demonstrate • A stronger focus on student products and their understanding assessment • An updated list of essential social studies skills and strategies, including literacy strategies
Advance orders are currently being accepted. Please quote the title and item number 100111 in your orders.
Call 1-800-683-0812 to make orders for the revised standards by telephone. Alternatively, orders and purchase orders can be faxed to 301-843-0159, or mailed to: NCSS Publications, P.O. Box 2067, Waldorf, MD 20602-2067.
List Price: $29.95; NCSS Member Price: $19.95. Add regular shipping and handling fee.
If you are currently an NCSS comprehensive member (not just a regular member), you will automatically receive the revised standards by mail as one of your comprehensive member benefits. The revised standards will be NCSS Bulletin 111
Social Education 232